Jamie Condliffe

Reuters is reporting that Intel has been in rather unlikely discussions that could pave the way for the processor giant producing chips to Apple specifications.

A source "close to one of the companies" claims that executives from both Apple and Intel have met over the past year to discuss the idea of Intel making chips on a contract manufacturing basis. That would mean that Intel used its foundries to create chips designed to Apple's own specifications.

The idea of contracting chip manufacturing to Intel might be positive for Apple, given it currently has the awkward misfortunate of relying on Samsung for its mobile silicon. It's less clear what Intel would gain from the move: while it would pull in extra cash, the idea seems at odds with the company's desires to push its own chips for use in mobile devices.That said, Intel announced last month that it was to start producing chips for Altera—its first sizable contract manufacturing gig—so it's clearly something that the company's game for.

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How accurate the rumors of an Intel-Apple love-in are remain, of course, to be seen. But if it is set to happen, it'll all be overseen by Intel's next, unannounced CEO; current chief Paul Otellini jumps ship in May. [Reuters via Verge]